A day docked in Naples…the town where pizza was first created. I tip my hat, I kiss my fingers and expand them in the air to say “meraviglioso” to the Neapolitans for inventing such a perfect food. At least for our mouths although not our waistlines. We enjoyed a few picturesque Italian towns along the Amalfi drive in port on our Mediterranean Cruise.
Food
Sorrento is “ready for its close-up Mr. DeMille.” It felt like the quintessential Italian town you thought only existed on a movie set. As we walked through the town, the vibrant colors of the buildings appeared as though newly painted. Locals on Vespas zipped through narrow walkways, stopping to chat with familiar pedestrians carrying bags of fruits and vegetables from a small street market. History breathed from the Greek ruins to the religious relics hidden amidst the walls, windows and walkways to protect its citizens and pay faithful respect.
It was only after winding through the streets to a small restaurant for lunch did I believe that indeed these were REAL buildings and not facades. We enjoyed the most amazing authentic Italian cuisine I’ve ever had at a small restaurant off the beaten path.
I could easily eat like that for every meal. Fresh herbs and fresh ingredients (and no it wasn’t Papa John’s) from start to finish. Artichoke hearts with soft stem attached, prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, grilled vegetables for the antipasti, handmade noodles and homemade marinara, margarita pizza and real Tiramisu. Uncharacteristically, I forgot to take pictures of how beautiful the dishes were presented. Washed down with a glass of red wine, I would’ve ended my day right then and there, but wait there’s more…
Fragrance
After reaching the dock at Capri on our jetfoil from Sorrento, we immediately ascended the island aboard the Funicular (yes, I too could not get the “Funiculi, Finicula” song out of my head!). The slow tram took us up to the floral Augustus Gardens for breathtaking views of the blue sea and beautiful limestone sea stack homes.
Streets were lined with mom and pop shops of glass wares, sculptures and local artwork. Not to mention several high-end designer shops where celebrities have been known to pick up a few “souvenirs.” Lemons abundantly grow through the region and is featured in many delectable treats. A digestif of Limoncello, a frozen slushy called Granita and lemon gelato were the perfect refreshments under the warm sun. Lemon was the perfect complement for fresh seafood. I love the flavor of lemon and happily enjoyed all of these elegant treats during our visit. But this island was more than just lemons.
The Carthusia Perfumery was once the home of the Carthusian Monastery on the beautiful Italian island of Capri. In 1948, a set of old fragrance formulas dating back to when the monks began to discover the unique flowers on the island. With the Pope’s consent, the formulas were revived by a local chemist in 1948 and developed into a unique range of fragrances called Carthusia.
As their website states, “today the range of women’s and men’s fragrances are kept to a limited production and are among the oldest and most exclusive fragrances available to buy.” So you know I couldn’t leave without a little bottle, thanks to my sweet husband surprising me while I was busily taking photos of the coastal views. I often love to purchase a certain scent or perfume or lotion that will remind me of a wonderful vacation or lifelong memory. I think of my wedding when I wear Chance, by Chanel. My Coconut Lime Verbena lotion from Bath and Body works always conjures memories of my relaxing cruise in the Caribbean.
I was only so delighted to have a scent to forever remind me of the unique beauty of Capri. And when I run out, guess I’ll have to go back to get some more 🙂
Phallic Symbols
I intentionally saved the best, if not most intriguing word, for last – just to make sure I kept your attention.
Pompeii was by far the most surreal place to visit. When you walked through the stone streets, you can easily imagine life through amazingly preserved and intact remnants of their homes…
…as well as witnessed the fear of that fateful day Vesuvius changed history forever for this ancient city in A.D. 79.
Now..what do phallic symbols have to do with it? Dirty minds, be patient! 🙂
We were on an “adults-only” tour, and no it’s not as inappropriate as it sounds. Disney Cruise offers both family excursions and fantastic adults-only departures. So, with that in mind, our Italian tour guide Luca happily pointed out the numerous carvings of penises (or as he stated in his thick Italian accent “phallic symbols”) sharing that the Pompeii people believed it was a sign of fertility and power. He shared an incredible amount of details and stories about so much else of course, and along the way he continued to point out the carvings – on ceilings, walls and even on the ground and water wells.
Each time he pointed one out, 6-7 tourists circled the symbol and went to town with their cameras. What kind of scrapbook were THEY making? Okay, I admit participation as well…naturally for historical and educational purposes only. It struck me so funny to hear this group of 30, 40, 50 60 years olds giggle at the visual of a “phallic symbol” turn into 12 year olds. In one of our…I mean THEIR circles of photo taking, Luca walked up to us, looked at the symbol (this time on the ground) then looked at us and smiled saying, “You’re all perverts.” Hey, what fun is it to grow up? 😉
Karlynn Holbrook 